Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder-for-hire during an arraignment in Los Angeles federal court on Thursday. The 32-year-old rapper faces serious allegations connected to a 2022 shooting aimed at rival rapper Quando Rondo, which ended with the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.

Durk, who was extradited from Florida following his arrest in late October, is accused of orchestrating the plot against Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close friend, rapper King Von. According to federal prosecutors, Durk allegedly offered monetary rewards and music opportunities to those willing to carry out the murder. Five individuals associated with his Chicago-based rap collective, Only the Family (OTF), are also named in the charges.

The incident in question occurred in August 2022, when gunmen opened fire on Rondo’s vehicle in West Hollywood. While Rondo and his sister escaped unharmed, Robinson, 24, was tragically killed. Investigators allege that Durk’s associates followed Rondo’s vehicle and tracked him to a gas station, where they carried out the shooting.

After the attack, Durk reportedly released a song that featured news footage of Bowman (Quando Rondo) reacting to his cousin’s death, further fueling the allegations that he sought to “commercialize” Robinson’s murder.

Durk was arrested on October 24, 2024, as he attempted to flee the U.S. Authorities say Durk had booked several international flights and was preparing to board a private jet to Italy when he was apprehended. Since his arrest, Durk has been held without bond in Florida before being transported to California for his arraignment.

Prosecutors argue that Durk should remain in custody pending trial, citing concerns over his potential flight risk and the threat he poses to public safety. Durk faces multiple charges, including conspiracy, murder-for-hire resulting in death, and the illegal possession and use of firearms, including a machine gun. The charges carry the possibility of life in prison if he is convicted.

The indictment also implicates five of Durk’s associates—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston—all of whom have been arrested and are facing similar charges.

This case is part of an ongoing investigation into violent conflicts within the rap world, particularly between rival factions in Chicago’s drill rap scene. Durk and OTF have been under scrutiny for their involvement in several violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of rival rapper FBG Duck in 2020.

Federal authorities are also continuing to probe connections between OTF and a range of criminal activities tied to the drill music scene. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of drill rap and its associated criminal enterprises.

Durk is scheduled for a detention hearing in December, with a trial date to be set thereafter.

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